2015 GBB Community Mock Draft: Indiana Pacers Pick #11

Pick #11

Indiana Pacers

GM: Andrew Ford

And with the 11th pick in the draft, the Indiana Pacers and Andrew select:

11) Cameron Payne, PG from Murray State

Photo credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

From GM Andrew Ford:

As an organization, we feel that we need a top-notch true point guard to take us to the next level, and we believe that Cameron Payne is that player. Payne is a guy we have loved from the minute we started watching film of him for myriad reasons.

For starters, we really like what he brings to the floor when the ball is in his hands. He's capable of pushing the pace, an area in which we could use an infusion. He's not afraid to pull up and take a three if he's open, and that fearlessness is exactly what we want from our floor general. The kid knocks down the three ball at a solid clip, and he can also slash to the rim with a burst of speed. Perhaps what we like most about Payne when he has the ball in his hands is his passing ability. He has exceptional court vision, and he knows how to set up a defense to be exploited.

Off the ball, Payne works hard and is equally capable of making great plays with smart movement. We like the versatility he will provide as we feel he will give us the option of playing two ball-handlers at the same time because of how seamlessly he is able to move over into the two spot. It's always good to give our head coach Frank Vogel more options.

On the defensive end, he's not where we would like him to be yet, but we believe he has the tools to be an excellent perimeter defender in the near future. His foot speed, lateral quickness, and long arms will ease his transition to the NBA and make things easier for him on the defensive end of the floor.

He projects as someone who could be a plus for us on both ends of the floor for a long time, and we are thrilled to welcome Cameron to the organization.

Well how about that! We now have two graduates of Memphis' Lausanne Collegiate School in the NBA with Cameron Payne and Marc Gasol.

Cruising through the weekend, we move on to Tblythe and the Utah Jazz with pick #12.